SL recall Kapugedera for NZ ODIs

Batsman Chamara Kapugedera has been selected in Sri Lanka's ODI squad for the tour of New Zealand, more than three years after he played his last international one-dayer. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who was picked in the Test squad, has also been named in the ODI and T20 squads, which were all announced on the same day for "logistical reasons" according to chief selector Kapila Wijegunawardene.

Kapugedara's ODI selection is despite modest returns in Sri Lanka A's recent List A matches against New Zealand A. He hit 6, 40 and 27 in Christchurch and Lincoln last month, and had not been selected for the ODIs against West Indies at home. He takes the place of allrounder Shehan Jayasuriya, who had debuted in that series. Jayasuriya remains in the T20I squad, however.

Left-arm seamer Isuru Udana has been picked in the T20 squad meanwhile, three years after he also last played for Sri Lanka. Udana has been a consistent short-format bowler for the Ports Authority Cricket Club over several seasons, but had limited success in previous stints at the international level. He has five wickets and an economy rate of 8.27 from six T20 internationals so far.

Seamer Dhammika Prasad's Test form has also seen him return to the ODI squad after missing out during the home one-dayers against West Indies, Pakistan and India. He replaces Nuwan Kulaseakara, who has only been named in the ODI outfit.

There are few other surprises in either limited-overs squad. Lahiru Thirimanne, who has been dropped from the Test squad, features in the ODI outfit, where he also retains his vice-captaincy. Thisara Perera has been picked in the T20 squad only, but Ajantha Mendis has been dropped from the T20 outfit and retained in the ODI squad.

Sri Lanka play five ODIs and two T20s against New Zealand. The first ODI is set to be played in Christchurch on December 26.